Phonograph Monthly Review, Vol. 5, No. 3 (1930-12)

December, 1930, Vol. V. No. 3 81 Phono-Radio Survey Col jmbia Columbia Automatic Phonograph and Radio Model 991 F IRST of the new series of phonograph-radio combinations (the Columbia radio sets were described in the October issue) is Model 939, embodying the new Columbia eight-tube, screen-grid, Tele-focal receiver similar to that in the radio models C-20 and C-21, and like them guaran- teeing programs from every notch in the dial, with particular stress on clarity, naturalness and balance of tone. The Phonograph tone is also richer and fuller than any before, due to an improved type of pick-up and the delivery through a new electro-dynamic speaker. The cabinet is a handsome, conservative high-boy of wal- nut, English style, with delicate carving at the extremeties only, and a subdued gloss designed to harmonize with the quieter interior decorations which are now fashionable. The list price is $235, less tubes. Model 991, pictured herewith, is announced as one of a series of several combination automatic phonographs and radios. It will play in sequence, automatically, either nine ten-inch or nine twelve-inch records, rendering from thirty to forty-five minutes of uninterrupted performance. The radio receiver consists of a No. 100 Columbia chassis and No. 110 Columbia dynamic speaker, featuring the Tele-focal power detection principles instituted in radio models C-20 and C-21. The cabinet, 45 Mj inches high, 28J4 inches wide, and 18% inches deep, is an English walnut console of beautifully matched four-way butt veneers, with a soft glowing polish. Fifty records can be stored in the instrument, and all the mechanism is strikingly simple, sturdy, and compact. The list price is $325.00, less tubes. We have not yet had an opportunity to hear these new models in operation, but several readers have already com- mented on them most favorably, and we shall report further next month. Victor T HE first of the 1930-1931 phono-radio lines to be sent up to the P. M. R. is the Victor Radio-Electrola RE-57, which replaces the RE-75 that had previously represented Vic- tor among our Studio instruments. The RE-57 which embodies the Victor home recording feature, as well as the new Micro-Synchronous five circuit screen-grid radio and the latest model electrola, was pictured and described in full on page 14 of the October 1930 issue. Its installation in the P. M. R. studio comes too close to press date to permit detail study of the instrument, but even from cursory first impressions it obviously possesses abundant and evenly controlled amplification, keen sensitivity, and pleasing tone qualities. The home recording device offers hilarious en- tertainment in the making of records, but so far our amateur artists have not recovered from initial “mike fright” and their most successful achievement is a close rival to the famous “laughing record” of fragrant memory! One of the staff members will report on more serious tests later. The new line of Victor radios (described in the October issue) has been expanded to include a smaller, lower-priced model—R-15—designed to appeal particularly to families who are confronted with a limited amount of floor space, but who at the same time wish a full-sized instrument of Victor quality. While compactness has been a vital consideration, tone, selec- tivity and sensitivity have not been sacrificed. It is a four circuit screen grid set with three tuned radio frequency stages and a power detector, each a screen grid Radiotron (UY-224’s). .Two UX-245’s are used in the push-pull audio amplifier, and a UX-280 as a rectifier. The tuning dial is circular, instead of straight-line as in the larger Victor models. It is calibrated in kilocycles, thus making possible the char- acteristic precision tuning so outstanding a feature of the Victor radio line. The condensers are mounted vertically, making it possible to operate them on a single shaft. The speaker is a super-dynamic corrugated cone loud speaker. The cabinet is designed in the early English manner, with an elaborately decorated form panel. The dimensions of the cabinet are 34^4 inches high, 20 V* inches wide, and 13 inches deep. The list price, less tubes, is $112.50. PHONOGRAPHIC ECHOES Consolidation of the R* C. A.-Victor Company in Camden The entire activities of the RCA Victor Company, includ- ing manufacturing, engineering, and research, have been con- solidated in Camden, New Jersey, with the removal from the Woolworth Building of all the sales activities of the Radiola Division, Engineering Products Division, and the RCA Ex- port Department,—bringing about more efficient and econom- ical operation of the company as a whole. In recognition of this move, the Mayor of Camden and the Camden Chamber of Commerce, set aside September 19th as a holiday cele- brating the dedication of Camden as “The Radio Center of the World.” The dedication ceremonies also mark the “back to work” movement sponsored by the RCA Victor Company that has already encouraged other leading industries to be- gin the spread of renewed prosperity. Mr. E. E. Shumaker, President of the RCA Victor Company, has been widely quoted in a statement that, “To talk prosperity means noth- ing. We must provide work for the individual; labor must be usefully employed and prosperity will follow.”